Redhawk Caldera A Possible Acceptance

Redhawk Caldera was a fortress, one its king would defend to the death any day of the week, but particularly now, with Fox's due date rapidly approaching. He stalked its borders moodily, squinting his good eye at anything that dared move. Any prey that wandered into his cross hairs would be dispatched immediately, the meat presented to the pregnant queen. Any other predators—wolves, coyotes, anything at all that could be labeled a threat—would be likewise terminated with extreme prejudice.

The stranger lingering near the borders was lucky Peregrine heard her before he saw her; if he had spotted her first, he probably would have attempted to execute her on the spot. But the howl conveyed a very distinct message. All the same, the Alpha immediately changed his course and began galloping toward her, chest puffed out and fur prickling. A growl tore from his throat before he could stop it, warning this wolf of his general temper.

Braking to a halt with his tail flung into the air like a rod, he demanded, "What do you want?"